County Library Capital Project Grant Program
Mandated by state law, County Library Capital Grants provide $5,000,000 annually for a grant program to assist in the funding of public library capital projects. Since the grant program was implemented in FY 2008, 17 library systems have received funding for 29 capital projects. The projects included renovations and expansions (to increase public service area or comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act) and new construction (planning, architectural and engineering, design, construction, and furnishings and equipment). As evidenced by the grant applications received, demand far exceeds funding, even at the full level mandated by statute, and there is strong evidence of local commitment by way of matching funds. This program addresses critical needs for libraries in communities across the State.
The "Enchanted Forest" children's area at the Westernport Branch of the Allegany County Library.
Allegany County Library- Westernport Branch
Funds from the County Library Capital Project Grant Program were used to renovate the interior of the Westernport branch. No significant improvements had been made to this facility since it was constructed in 1969. The renovation enhanced the library’s ability to deliver services by making badly needed safety, lighting, and electrical upgrades as well as reconfiguring the floor plan, upgrading the furnishings, and modernizing the interior spaces. The branch was updated to support the library’s role of delivering value added services such as access to the Internet, educational software on library computers, and quality public programming.
The Linthicum Branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library
Anne Arundel County Public Library- Eastport/Annapolis, Edgewater, Linthicum, Riviera Beach Branches
Four branches required replacement fire safety systems to bring them up to current national Fire Protection Association code. Deficiencies included: pull stations that did not connect to the main fire system and did not alert the fire department when activated, limited number of smoke/heat detectors, lack of visual strobes to alert the hearing impaired, and phone lines that did not operate independently of other telecommunication lines. County Library Capital Grant Program funds were used to correct the deficiencies and brought the branches into compliance.
Anne Arundel County Public Library-Brooklyn Park, Linthicum and Provinces Branches
The County Library Capital Grant Program funded upgrades to the original construction of the non ADA-compliant service desks (they did not have lower sections to provide access for patrons with disabilities, children and staff) at these three branches. In addition, these upgrades provided the necessary infrastructure to support current (and future) technology needs to serve all patrons.
Baltimore County Public Library- Perry Hall Branch
The County Library Capital Project Grant Program will allow BCPL to install an Automated Materials Handling (AMH) system. This system will automate material returns and sorting from an external book drop, an internal book return, and a full service drive up window, allowing for reduced staffing, reduced shelving time, and increased shelving accuracy. This project is a pilot to test AMH and to measure its benefits against cost. The return on investment analysis will be shared with other Maryland library systems.
Storyville at the Rosedale Branch of the Baltimore County Pubic Library
Baltimore County Public Library-Rosedale Branch
With the creation of Storyville, an interactive early childhood learning center at the Rosedale Branch, parents have a resource to encourage them in their role as their children’s first teacher. This model provides information and literacy materials and hands-on experiential learning opportunities for parents and caregivers as they play, read and learn with their children in a fun, interactive and literacy-rich environment. The activities in the early childhood center are designed to support the skills identified in the Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR), which promotes a consistent, statewide approach to enhancing school readiness.
The Edmondson Avenue Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Baltimore City, Enoch Pratt Free Library-Edmondson Avenue Branch
The 55 year-old Edmondson Avenue Branch required extensive renovation to address basic structural issues as well as physical improvements that affect service delivery. When renovations are complete, the County Library Capital Project Grant Program funding will increase access for all patrons including those with disabilities, provide greater space for public use of technology and allowed for the redesign of the children and teen areas thereby enhancing services to the underserved.
The Denton Branch of the Caroline County Public Library
Caroline County Public Library-Denton Branch and Federalsburg Branch
A failing 5,000 sq. ft. flat roof at the Caroline County Public Library’s Central Branch in Denton was replaced, ensuring continued protection for the library collection. Existing decking was replaced and drainage issues were also rectified. The Federalsburg Branch Library was renovated with new windows and carpet, enabling the library to increase services to the public.
The Westminister Branch of the Carroll County Public Library
Carroll County Public Library- Westminster Branch
The Carroll County Public Library Westminster Branch, a 27-year old building, received funds for a total renovation including layout, furnishings, and interior treatment. This busy 22,921 sq. ft. branch circulates nearly one million items per year, and serves as a community gathering place and computer access center. When the renovations are complete, the Westminster Branch will be able to accommodate the public demands for more service, greater computer access and use of the community rooms.
The Perryville Branch of the Cecil County Public Library
Cecil County Public Library- Perryville Branch
The new Perryville Branch Library, a 15,200 sq. ft. full service library, is the first newly constructed library-owned branch to be built in Cecil County in over 13 years. The County Library Capital Grant Program provided funds for three large flat screen display monitors and networked them for use at the library's entrance, in the cafe and in the teen area to promote programs, library services and specific materials. They communicate effectively with the public and provide a "greener" alternative to printed posters. In addition, the library installed three self-checkout units, two located in the adult area and one in the children's area. These equipment upgrades will enable Cecil County Public Library to serve the growth of the population due to BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure).
Plans for the new Brunswick Branch of the Frederick County Public Library
Frederick County Public Libraries- Brunswick Branch and Walkersville Branch
County Library Capital Grant Program funds will be used to create a template design for a 15,000 sq. ft. community library. This template will be used for the construct two or more future branches. The template concept provides economy in design but allows for varied internal designs to reflect the community in which the individual library resides.
Plans for the Charles E. Miller Branch and Historical Center of the Howard County Library
Howard County Library-Charles E. Miller Branch and Historical Center
Based on the Howard County Long Range Facilities Report updated by the Howard County Library Board of Trustees in 1992, 1994 and 1999, the Miller Branch Library required renovation by the year 2005. The Library consulted with Providence Associates in 2004 to conduct a comprehensive facilities assessment and master plan through the projected build-out of the County in 2030. This analysis indicated that the current facility is undersized by a factor of three and that an 82,500 sq. ft. library/historical center is required to meet current needs in the Ellicott City service area. The County Library Capital Project Grant Program funded the planning for the new library.
Renovations in progress at the Chestertown Branch of the Kent County Public Library
Kent County Public Library-Chestertown Branch
Using County Library Capital Grant Program funding, the library redesigned and replaced the entire exterior and interior roof structure which included the redesign of the roof and dormers, removal and replacement of existing roof with a new metal roof, new interior ceilings, insulation, new interior lighting, and a new guttering system. These upgrades ensure continued protection for the library collection furniture and equipment.
Plans for the Gaithersburg Branch of the Montgomery County Public Library
Montgomery County Public Libraries-Gaithersburg Branch and Silver Spring Branch
To better serve the demographically and ethnically diverse residents and growing business community of Montgomery County, the County Library Capital Grant Program will provide funding for a redesign for the Silver Spring Branch and the Gaithersburg Branch. The Silver Spring Branch will be built within the central business district (CBD) and centrally located for the entire community. The site is within walking distance of the Silver Spring Metro Station and on the VANGO route (a public trolley system that services people in the CBD.) The Gaithersburg Branch is the busiest in the county with a circulation of about one million items and about 700,000 visits. Renovation of the Gaithersburg library will enhance the community’s library service more than 20 years after the original library was opened to the public.
The Largo-Kettering Branch of the Prince George's County Memorial Library
Prince George’s County Memorial Library-Largo-Kettering Branch
This project will expand the Largo-Kettering Branch Library’s public service area by opening up over 3,000 sq. ft. of non-public space. The expansion allows for the combining of the children’s and adult services desk. This expansion also includes the relocation of the Library System’s Audio Visual Department, from the Hyattsville Branch to the Largo-Kettering Branch, where it is centrally located, providing greater access to all county residents.
The Crisfield Branch of the Somerset County Library
Somerset County Library- Crisfield Branch
A January 2007 facilities assessment identified the construction of a new 15,000 sq. ft. full service branch in Crisfield by 2010 as a high priority. County Library Capital Grant Program funds will be used to plan the development of a building program with assistance from a library building consultant. The existing branch library is located in a residential house and has served the community since 1930.
The Leonardtown Branch of the St. Mary's County Library
St. Mary's County Library- Leonardtown Branch
Expand the current Leonardtown Library and administrative offices which are located in a 1954 National Guard Armory, last renovated in 1985. This project was a strong recommendation in the St. Mary’s County Library Comprehensive & Integrated System Analysis & Recommendations which was presented to and approved by the Library Board in March 2007. This study was commissioned by the St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners and was conducted by the Providence Associates. This grant request will support the costs of the planning and design for this expansion.
The Boonsboro Branch of the Washington County Free Library
Washington County Free Library-Boonsboro Branch
The new state of the art Boonsboro Free Library, a branch of the Washington County Free Library sits on a rise near Shafer Park and features a panoramic view of the mountains, park, and community. Opening April 14, 2008, with an enlarged collection of books and media, the library became a major community asset for Boonsboro families to use and enjoy. Around 250 people attended the opening day ceremonies, viewing the computer lab with 10 computers for public use, the quiet study room, teen space, and a beautiful new children’s department along with a community room that offers a dedicated area for special programs, lectures, performances, and book talks. The County Library Capital Grant Program funds provided construction funds to cover the gap in allotted funding and furnishings for the new library.
The Main Branch of the Wicomico Public Library
Wicomico Public Library-Main Branch
The County Library Capital Grant Program funded the Schematic Design phase for a new 60,000 sq. ft. Main Library to replace the present Main Library building in downtown Salisbury, which also houses the Eastern Shore Regional Library (ESRL). This project resulted in preliminary sketches and layouts and preliminary construction cost estimates for a new Main Library. The present Main Library building, originally built in 1914 as the Armory and last renovated in 1978, is inadequate to meet the current and growing service needs of Wicomico residents, as well as meeting the needs of ESRL.
Worcester County Library-Ocean City Library
Worcester County constructed a new branch library in Ocean City to replace the existing 5,000 sq. ft. facility that served the community for more than forty years. During the summer months, Ocean City is the second largest city in Maryland, generating state and local revenue through tourism dollars. The County Library Capital Grant Program funds provided furnishings for the new facility, enhancing library services and creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
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